Childbirth Educators Multidiscipline Certificate Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to be a health professional to enroll in this program?
A: We believe that no one type of training or experience guarantees that a person will become a competent childbirth educator. Individuals with widely varying backgrounds have successfully completed this program. We do, however, require the candidates to have post-secondary education. Mature students who have not had any post-secondary education will be considered.
Q: I have had a lot of experience in the field of childbirth. Do I have to complete the same requirements as someone with no experience?
A: You may challenge most courses by demonstrating prior learning (PLA), which has taken place reasonably recently. However, in order to receive our certificate, you must have been enrolled in at least 25% of the program. Practicing childbirth educators who are interested in certification may find this route very attractive. Contact the Program Coordinator to inquire about the PLA option.
Q: How much time do I need to commit to this program?
A: All assignments in Level I require you to do extensive reading. Most courses require a research paper and a presentation.
The self-study guide can be completed on your own or can be completed with tutorial assistance. Let us know what best suits your learning style.
Labour and delivery observation sessions can be scheduled following the completion of the required courses. You may need up to 40 hours of observation time to meet the evaluation criteria plus additional time to complete the written assignment.
Prenatal class observation classes can be scheduled following completion of the required courses. You will need a minimum of 10 hours of observation time plus time to meet and talk to the teacher before and after class, plus time to complete a written assignment.
The curriculum development course is scheduled for the third term. It involves a theory component that is designed to help you plan the completion of a curriculum for your lessons. The course following requires you to complete a detailed lesson plan curriclum. While the time required for the writing of a curriculum will vary, most students take 4-6 months to complete it. The curriculum is a major assignment and can be completed and submitted as a group or as an individual. (The size of the group must be cleared with the Program Coordinator).
Q: How long will it take to complete the certificate?
A: Students who progress steadily through the modules can expect to complete their certification in approximately 18 months.
Q: Once I start the certificate, do I have to complete it within a specific time period?
A: You must complete the certificate within 4 years from the time you start.
Q: What costs are involved?
A: Tuition fees are your major expense. (The current fee schedule will be mailed once you are accepted). You can estimate approximately $2800.00 for your fees. (The fee changes yearly as approved by the Ministry). You must register no later than two weeks prior to each course start date. Course offerings will be cancelled two weeks prior to start dates if the minimum numbers have not been achieved. In addition, students can expect to spend approximately $400-$500 on course readings and books, including the self-study manual. Parking costs near Women's College Campus range between $4.00-$7.00 per night. There will be some daytime sessions during which participants may need to adjust childcare and employment schedules.
Q: Does the program have any particular philosophy?
A: Perhaps the guiding principles of this program are that childbearing takes place within varying social contexts and in order to provide appropriate and adequate childbirth education, practitioners need to understand the social issues which frame reproduction. Consequently, material for study is drawn from a wide variety of sources, including childbirth education, midwifery, nursing and medical journals and texts, historical and sociological writings as well as fiction and personal narratives.
The program utilizes many of the recent feminist critiques for women's health care in exploring how gender, race, ethnicity, ability and sexuality affect reproductive care. The emphasis is on creating an educator who is capable of meeting the needs of a diverse client population.
Q: What can I expect in the classroom?
A: This program recognizes the great wealth of information that students bring to the classroom and attempts to build upon that expertise. While the self-study guide and curriculum writing are done primarily independantly, valuable learning takes place in a group setting, just as it does at prenatal classes. There is very little lecturing with a great deal of group discussion and reflection, based on assigned readings and classroom presentations. Ultimately, the student is responsible for their own learning experience by being prepared and by participating actively in classroom events. In all of the courses, students are encouraged to examine their emotional responses to the learning through journal keeping and written and oral feedback.
Q: Where are classes held?
A: The majority of classes will be held at Women's College Campus. Occasionally, classes are held at Humber College, North Campus. Classroom space at both sites is booked a year in advance and it is very difficult to switch locations once rooms have been assigned. Q: Do I have to take courses in any particular order? A: Many courses have a prerequisite and some stand alone. CBED 102, the self-study guide must be completed before you register into the second level component. For students without a science background, it is highly recommended that you complete this guide before signing up for any others. All level I, II or III courses must be completed before you teach classes in CBED 401. Q: How does this program differ from others being offered in the market?
A: It is the only Childbirth Educators Certificate Program in Canada approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Ministry approved programs are credit based and are rigorously assessed before approval. The program also offers many opportunities for students to practice facilitating sesions in front of peers before teaching a series for evaluation in the final course. Emphasis is placed on developing facilitating skills and empowering couples. It is uniquely Canadian and has a strong women's social issues component, especially as they relate to reproduction. Many courses in the program are accepted for University transfer credits.
Q: Is the program only offered in Metropolitan Toronto?
A: The program can be offered anywhere in Canada. If offered outside of the Metropolitan area, a request must come from an agency to offer the program at their site. This is called a satellite program. A minimum of students is required to offer the program at a satellite setting. An agency must formally make the request for a satellite program. Interested staff should approach their managers to contact the program coordinator at Humber College (416.674.6622 ext. 4078). If offered outside the Metropolitan Toronto area, expenses must be covered for the teacher by the requesting agency. Q: How do I apply? A: You apply by completing the assessment form on the information booklet and returning it with required documents as soon as possible. You are assessed in three categories: academic background, professional and/or volunteer background, and by your letter of application. We take particular notice of your experiences in dealing with women, women's issues, families and teaching experiences (in any setting and with any age group). Q: Is there a deadline for application? A: Applications are accepted all year round. There is a lot of flexibility when you take many of the courses. However, there is generally only one offering of CBED 103 (History and Philosophy of Childbirth Education) and CBED 104 (Issues on Childbirth) per year. CBED 103 is offered in the winter session, and is the prerequisite to CBED 104 and many of the level II courses. It is essential that you pick these courses up when they are being offered as they are prerequisites to many other courses. Q: Can I apply if I do not have a diploma or a degree? A: Yes, you can apply as a mature student if you have been out of secondary school for over one year. If you have taken any courses at the University or College level, we do accept these as an indication of your academic ability. As a mature student applicant, we rely on your volunteer and work experience background, especially in dealing with women, women's issues, families or teaching experiences. Q: Can this program be taken by distance learning? A: All courses in the program can be taken in some form of distance learning. Students who are interested in exploring this mode of study should contact the Program Coordinator at Humber College to explore the best route for completing the program at their location. We are interested in making the program accessible in your location.
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